Saudi-led military operations in Yemen are nearing their end as the focus turns to political talks, Britain’s Foreign Minister has said, but heavy fighting continued in the city of Taez.
“We detect the military phase of this campaign is coming to a close as the coalition forces have established a dominant military position,” Philip Hammond told reporters yesterday after talks with King Salman and leading members of the royal family.
He said they focused on the need “for now accelerating the political discussion” and ensuring the Huthi rebels and their allies engage in “serious and sensible” talks.
The UN special envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said on Friday the Huthis and backers of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh had “clearly committed” to carrying out Security Council Resolution 2216. Adopted in April, it calls for a negotiated withdrawal by the rebels from key cities and a surrender of all heavy weapons to the State.
The envoy said the Government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi had agreed to send a delegation to the forthcoming negotiations, for which no date has been set.
Previous attempts to hold negotiations collapsed but Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said: “We’re optimistic that the talks will lead somewhere.”AFP